Photochemical etching is the process that makes metal components that can be used in different industrial applications. The only important materials required in the etching process are light-sensitive material and an acid or a chemical (etchant). The purpose of this process is to produce high quality and complex precision with a high level of accuracy to fulfill industrial requirements and needs on the use of metal components.
The Process of Etching Metal
The first thing that is involved in etching metal wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE) remember here we are dealing with corrosive chemicals. Wearing plastic gloves aprons and protective goggles are required.
The next step is to prepare your metal for etching. You need to file off any sharp edge on your metal and using chlorine-based detergents, clean the surface of your metal to remove any oil. Use a wire brush to sand the metal surface so that resist can adhere well.
The next step involves the making of the design. First, cover your metal with a wax-like material. Next, you need to draw your design using a sharp object to remove the resin to the areas that need to be etched.
Now your metal is ready to be etched, the metal is then immersed in a container full of acid. The time is determined by the depth of your etching. If you want a shallow etching remove your metal after few minutes if you need deeper lines remove your metal after one hour.
Lastly, your etched metal needs to be cleaned, use soap and water to clean and remove any residuals of resist and then dry the metal by the use of alcohol. The alcohol also helps in the removal of wax. Now your metal is fully etched.
Industrial Applications of Metal Etching
The following are the various industrial applications of these metal components.
Electronic sector
In our current world, electronics are everywhere and are being used in our daily activities, therefore, there is a need to produce the best and quality components for this sector. Through photo etching, there is a production of precision electronic products which are more advanced. We at Qualitetch Components Limited are highly experienced in offering fully-furnished, and high precision components such as different types of circuit board shields.
Automotive applications
In this sector, the production of high-quality precision is required to get free-error vehicle production on our roads. It is only through quality photo-etching that the production of components with high precision can be possible.
Communication Sector
If there is a sector that is constantly changing is the communication sector that is constantly demanding communication components that can only be made using the photo etching technology. Therefore a reliable photo etching company is required to fulfill the requirement of this sector. A lot of sectors depend on the communication sector therefore for successful businesses, the use of quality components by this sector is highly recommended.
Aerospace
The building of various helicopters and airplanes requires aluminum components that have to be etched accurately for there is no room for mistakes in this sector. A high and efficient etching service provider can provide these services accurately and at an affordable cost.